Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-20
1 Samuel begins with an introduction to a godly man named Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Penninah. Elkanah had several children with Penninah but no children with the woman he loved deeply, Hannah. The desire of Hannah’s heart was to have a son, but for years (don’t overlook this detail of years) she was unable to get pregnant.
The relationship between Penninah and Hannah was adversarial. Penninah reveled in Hannah’s infertility, taunting and tormenting her about it. The situation was so bad that Hannah would weep and wouldn’t eat. Then at some point, years into this scenario (notice the timespan of years again), Hannah goes to the temple and pours her heart out to God, asking Him to please give her a son. God hears Hannah’s heartfelt request and answers–but not immediately (once more, take note of the timing). Verse 20 states, “in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel.”
Hannah’s situation highlighted and turned my attention toward God’s timing and how waiting is very often part of His perfect plan. I’m not the most patient person, so this passage served as a good reminder that regardless of what I’m feeling (discouraged, frustrated, helpless, forgotten, impatient, depressed, disappointed, etc.), God’s plan and God’s timing is always and will always be the right and best course of action for my life.
As you read Hannah’s story, what did God impress on your heart about His timing and plan as it pertains to your life? Are you waiting for God to move in a certain area or circumstance? What encouragement did you draw from this passage? Tami
Source: Tami’s Blog
